Blitzkrieg, meaning "lightning war" in German, was a military strategy employed by Nazi Germany during World War II. It emphasized rapid and coordinated attacks using combined forces of infantry, tanks, and air support to achieve quick victories and disrupt enemy defenses. This approach was notably used in the early campaigns against Poland and France, allowing Germany to conquer vast territories swiftly. The strategy relied heavily on speed, surprise, and the element of shock to overwhelm opponents before they could effectively respond.